The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics has now been disbanded for 47 years—longer than the 43 years it was active—yet those who worked for the NACA continue to feel passionate about its success and are loyal to its memory.

The eleventh reunion of former NACA employees (hosted by the Ames Research Center) was held in San Jose, CA on September 30, October 1, 2, 2005. The 320 participants coming from 17 states and the District of Columbia, and ranging from about 70- to well beyond 90-years of age, represented all former NACA installations. Attendees participated in one or more of the 8 group events including 3 meal functions and 5 tours. Group meals included a buffet dinner, a gala Banquet and a Sunday morning brunch. Tours included the Ames Research Center, Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards, San Francisco, Hiller Aviation Museum and the Computer History Museum. A large poolside hospitality room open from dawn to dusk provided a venue for never-ending reminiscing about the "good old days" in the "best of all Government organizations." Serendipitously, the great grandniece of Orville and Wilbur Wright, Janette Davis Yoerg, was staying at the Reunion hotel on the night of the Buffet dinner and noticed the NACA gathering. Needless to say, she was invited to dinner and gave the event a very special flavor. The current Ames Center Director, Scott Hubbard and his wife, attended the Banquet as special guests. He gave welcoming remarks, a brief summary of future directions for the Center, and he introduced a well-received movie commemorating the 65th anniversary of Ames that celebrated last year. Participants were asked to provide written feedback. While not all inputs have yet been analyzed, the overwhelming consensus is that the event was a resounding success. The NACA clearly left its imprint on the minds of those who were fortunate to have played a role in that part of aerospace history.